2004
The Collection of Effective Treatment Modalities for Children and Adolescents 
The Commission's 2002 study led to the publication of this compilation of empirically-based information on effective treatment modalities and practices for children and adolescents. The Collection which, by mandate, is currently being updated, is made available through the Internet to facilitate ready-access by parents, caregivers, educators, service providers and other interested parties. (SJR 358, 2003)

Strengthening Families (Yr 2)
In an effort to strengthen families and support marriage, the Commission assessed and identified elements that strengthen families, analyzed federal initiatives and measures other states are taking, and determined strategies to strengthen family service systems in Virginia . 

2003
Dissemination of Effective Treatment Modalities
In an effort to make empirically-based information concerning effective treatment modalities and practices for children available, the Commission on Youth coordinated and disseminated such information to parents, caregivers, educators, service providers and others interested parties through the Internet.  (SJR 358)

Foster Care
Commission on Youth monitored the progress and work of the Department of Social Services’ Child and Family Services Review; participate on the Statewide Stakeholders Committee; and analyze foster care payment rates in the Commonwealth. 

Childhood Obesity
Obesity is a large-scale social problem that reaches all elements of American society.  In order to combat the problem effectively, it must be addressed in numerous settings, with homes, schools, communities, and public advertising being some of the most important. The Commission on Youth identified the causes and consequences of childhood obesity; determine the prevalence of childhood obesity at the state and national levels; identify present, past, and future initiatives designed to address the problem of childhood obesity in Virginia ; and identify other suggested methods for combating the problem of childhood obesity.

Strengthening Families
In an effort to strengthen families and support marriage, the Commission on Youth assessed and identified elements that strengthen families; analyze measures other states are taking, as well as various federal initiatives to strengthen families; and determine strategies to strengthen family service systems.  

Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders
This study continued the work of SJR 97 (2002).  Commission on Youth will work with the Joint Commission on Health Care to provide leadership and direction for the interagency work group; to oversee the implementation of previous recommendations; and to conduct further research regarding diversion programs for persons with mental illness and substance abuse disorders that redirect such persons into appropriate mental health and substance abuse treatment programs and away from the criminal justice system.

2002
Effective Treatment Modalities
In the absence of a state system to measure the quality or effectiveness of care received by children and youth, the Commission on Youth coordinated the collection and dissemination of empirically-based information on treatment modalities and practices recognized as effective for the treatment of children, including juvenile offenders, with mental health treatment needs, symptoms and disorders. (SJR 99)

Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders
In this study of treatment options for both adult and juvenile offenders, the Commission on Youth served as lead analyst on the juvenile offender population having mental illness or substance abuse disorders. Conducted with the Joint Commission on Behavioral Health Care, Year 2 continued the study of offenders with certain mental health needs and substance abuse disorders. The study examined the treatment, medication, training, model court order, communication, Medicaid and screening related to this topic.  (SJR 97/HJR 142)

Juvenile Records
The study entailed a detailed review of the Code of Virginia to identify provisions and subsequent recommendations on amendments to the Code to address conflicting or unclear provisions regarding juvenile records.  Input into practical problems presented by the myriad of policies and demands for record exchanges was provided by an advisory group of judges and officers of the court, agency representatives, and others having specialized expertise in the administration of juvenile records.

Female Juvenile Offenders
Commission on Youth staff worked with the Department of Juvenile Justice to assess the impact of female offenders on the juvenile justice system, including services and programs offered this population.   

Children of Incarcerated Parents
Commission on Youth updated the 1992 Youth Commission study. 

Current State-funded Initiatives Attempting to Address the Needs of Youth
Commission on Youth identified youth programs within the executive branch and providing a summary of their programs’ purposes. 

Dispute Resolution
Conducted with the Supreme Court of Virginia

Educational Aspects of Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance
In 2002 Commission on Youth staff wrote a section in the SJR 99 manual for Effective Treatment Modalities dealing with school-based services for children and youth with serious emotional disturbance.  This provided the foundation for future research.

Pre-dispositional Detention Risk Assessment
The Commission on Youth worked working cooperatively with the Department of Juvenile Justice to develop a risk assessment instrument.

2001  
Youth with Emotional Disturbance Requiring Out-of-Home Treatment (Yr 2)           

In this two-year study of children and youth with serious emotional disturbance (SED) requiring out-of-home placement, the Commission first sought to identify child and family characteristics which define this population and then to estimate the number of Virginia children and youth who met SED criteria.  In the second year of the study, the Commission reviewed the full continuum of services shown to be effective in treating these children and youth, as well as identification of unmet needs and distinctions in the services made available to non-mandated children and youth.

Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders

In this study of treatment options for both adult and juvenile offenders, the Commission on Youth served as lead analyst on the juvenile offender population having mental illness or substance abuse disorders.  Included in the study were reviews of treatment services offered in the juvenile justice system for both non-state and state wards, as well as offenders in transition, and services offered by locally operated mental health service providers. The Joint Behavioral Health Care Commission and the State Crime Commission were partners in the study.

Youth Assets Pilot Programs in Three Virginia Communities

The Commission identified and coordinated three pilot sites – Fluvanna County , Tazewell County , and the City of Norfolk –   to begin a process of demonstrating that young people who develop a greater number of positive developmental assets are more likely to make healthy choices and avoid high-risk behaviors.  The model, which utilizes intergenerational involvement throughout the community to make the environment more supportive for youth, focuses on the strengths rather than the weaknesses of the community and furthers a process of self-inventory, rather than program-building. (Budget Directive)

2000

Student Discipline Statutes

This study analyzed three areas in the student discipline statute: (i) clarification and streamlining of student disciplinary statutes, (ii) standard definitions for “expulsion,” “suspension” and “exclusion”, and (iii) identification of methods, including the use of technology, which may provide educational services to students who have been expelled.         

2000 (cont.)

Youth with Emotional Disturbance Requiring Out-of-Home Treatment (Yr 1)

During the first year of this study, the Virginia Commission on Youth developed and implemented a methodology for accurately determining the number of children with serious emotional disturbance in need of out-of-home placement.  Both child and family characteristics were identified as a requirement to meet the definition of “serious emotional disturbance requiring out-of-home placement.”

Youth Suicide Prevention Plan

The Commission on Youth, with the assistance of the Departments of Health, Education, Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services developed a comprehensive youth suicide prevention plan.  Suicide is the third leading cause of death among Virginia adolescents, as well as the significant increase in the rate of suicide among Virginia youth aged 10-19 since 1975. 

Kinship Care

The study identified legal and financial obstacles to kinship in Virginia .  The Virginia Commission on Youth studied four areas of kinship care: (i) the role of kinship care in the child welfare system; (ii) Virginia policy and practice; (iii) other states’ experience with kinship care; and (iv) constituents’ perceptions. 

1999

Assessment of the VJCCCA Formula and the Role of Offices on Youth

The 1999 Budget Bill requested that the Virginia Commission on Youth to assess the potential role of the Offices on Youth in the coordination, local oversight and administration of the Virginia Community Crime Control Act (VJCCCA) programs and to evaluate the adequacy of the funding formula of the VJCCCA. 

Post-Dispositional Detention

This study examined post-dispositional detention in Virginia in six different areas: (i) the role of post-dispositional detention in local service continuums; (ii) the feasibility of establishing dedicated post-dispositional detention in local service continuums; (iii) eligibility criteria for post-dispositional sentencing; (iv) procedures to address the length of sentence, including mandatory review and time limitations on placement; (v) post-dispositional detention programs standards; and (vi) assessment of state and local funding for detention services.

Adoption Laws

The study provides a review of the adoption laws in the Code of Virginia and suggests better ways of rewriting and reorganizing the Code to give a clearer and more consistent guidance to persons using the law.

1998

Study of the Regional Videotaping Centers for Child Sexual Assault Victims

The Virginia Commission on Youth conducted a study to look at the benefits and feasibility of establishing regional videotaping centers for child sexual assault victims.  Rather than establishing a separate legislative study commission, Joint Rules forwarded this study to the Commission. The overall process of investigation in child sexual assault cases, as well as procedures which may reduce the trauma experienced by a child in the courtroom was examined. 

1998 (cont.)

Truants and Runaways (Yr 2)

During the second year of this study, the Commission examined (i) the feasibility of using hearing officers to handle status offense cases of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, (ii) approaches to increase parental responsibility, (iii) the advisability of increasing sanctions for status offenders, (iv) the impact of vocational education on truancy, and (v) the development of a long-range funding plan for services to status offenders and their families.

Juvenile Competency Issues in Legal Proceedings

Statutory reforms to the juvenile justice system in 1996 elevated the importance of a juvenile’s competency to stand trial.  This study requested that the Virginia Commission on Youth conduct a study to examine issues related to a juvenile’s competency to stand trial in juvenile court proceedings. Resulting study recommendations addressed the establishment of competency, evaluations, time limits, dispositional options, and service needs. 

Joint Custody and Visitation

The 1998 General Assembly carried over Senate Bills 506, 507, 669, 670, and 671 and House Bills 1151, 1235, 1238, and 1239.  At the request of the General Assembly, the Virginia Commission on Youth conducted a study of the advisability of creating a presumption of joint custody, amendments to the best interest factors, penalties for denied visitation, development of parenting plans, and requirement of parents to attend education classes.

1997

Evaluation of the VJCCCA (Yr 1)

This project was supported in part by a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services’ Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention grant awarded to the Virginia Commission on Youth.  With the assistance from the Department of Planning and Budget, the Virginia Commission on Youth began the process of evaluating the administration and efficacy of the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act.  (Item 10(B) of the Appropriations Act)

Truants and Runaways (Yr 1)

The Virginia Commission on Youth examined the status of offenders, children in need of services and children in need of supervision.  The Commission focused their attention in six areas: (i) juvenile courts’ and local schools’ communication and intervention with truants, (ii) review of the court’s diversionary and probationary practices, (iii) assessment of the system’s service capacity, (iv) analysis of other states’ approaches to dealing with this population (v) appropriateness of designating a lead agency, and (vi) development of recommendations for improving the system through legislative and administrative reforms.

Educational Needs of Homeless Children

The Commission on Youth studied the educational needs of homeless children, identified the barriers to service for this population, and developed recommendations to respond to those barriers.  

Standby Guardianship

This study looked at the need to provide for standby guardians for children whose parents are progressively and/or chronically ill.  Standby guardianship is a legal remedy for those parents who want to plan for the future care of their children while they are still alive, are able to know that their preferences will be honored, and are able to maintain their parental rights for as long as they are able to care for their children.

1996

Youth Gangs in Virginia

This study, conducted jointly with the State Crime Commission, was designed to identify the prevalence of youth gangs in the state and effective gang prevention and early intervention strategies. Study also identified strategies currently employed to suppress and prosecute youth gang members.  Focus on developing operational definition of “gang.”  Individual interviews with youth in secure detention centers and Juvenile Correctional Centers were conducted to complement findings from statewide survey of local law enforcement officers.

Children in Need of Services and Children in Need of Supervision

The study entailed a review of the current interventions provided by the public sector for youth who come to the attention of the court for non-delinquent behaviors such as truancy, curfew violations and running away.  Interviews were conducted with service providers across the state to identify effective programs, legal and jurisdictional concerns and areas for improved inter-agency coordination.

Needs of Homeless Children

Conducted jointly with the Virginia Housing Study Commission, this study identified the different causes and prevalence of homeless children in Virginia . Study analyzed the funding streams, allocations, and trends in federal and state funding support for homeless programs.  State policies, programs and service statistics were examined and strategies developed to respond to child homelessness.  Recommended continuation of study to 1997 to allow examination of impact of homelessness on children’s education and related issues.

1995

Juvenile Justice System Reform

Comprehensive study of the juvenile justice system.  Focus of inquiry included an analysis of juvenile arrest trends, dispositional options for juvenile who come before the court, funding patterns and comparisons with other states’ juvenile justice reform efforts.  Study issues included prevention efforts, training needs, docketing issues, court diversion and community services, transfer statute, and the surveying of Virginia juvenile justice practitioners.

Barriers to the Development of Locally-Designed Community-Based Systems of Early Intervention Services (Yr 2)

Continuation of first year study focusing on the identification of model early intervention programs and follow up of implementation of 1995 legislation requiring comprehensive early intervention planning.

1994

Criteria for and Statewide Access to Secure Detention for Juveniles  (Yr 2)

Analyzed the funding system for secure juvenile detention.  Block grant funding was replaced with a statewide formula for pre- and post-trial community based services to be used as an alternative to secure confinement.  The resulting Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act required local planning for service delivery to court involved youth, as well as providing funding for these services.

1994 (cont.)

Barriers to the Development of Locally-Designed Community-Based Systems of Early Intervention Services (Yr 1)

Two-year study examined early intervention programs and ways to more fully integrate these programs and services into the Comprehensive Services Act structure. Principles of community based prevention planning, early intervention services were explored.  A budgetary profile of state and federal funded prevention and early intervention programs for children was developed.  Budgetary analysis on the role of federal and local funds in prevention/early intervention programs was conducted. Recommendations addressed means by which prevention and early intervention programs could be integrated into comprehensive planning and funding efforts.

1993

Serious Juvenile Offenders (Yr 2)

Targeted  legislative revision to improve the adequacy of the transfer statute.  Analysis involved review of other states’ statutes and commitment trends.  Resulting legislation amended both transfer laws and extension of sentencing options for juvenile court judges.

Criteria for and Statewide Access to Secure Detention for Juveniles  (Yr 1)

Two-year study on the statutory criteria for pre- and post-dispositional secure detention of juveniles. Study was established as a result of overcrowding in these facilities and the legislative moratorium on new detention home construction and/or expansion.  Developed strategies for insuring the statewide access to detention beds.

Feasibility of Mandatory Ten Year Follow-up for Juvenile Sex Offenders

The study was a recommendation of the Lt. Governor’s Commission on the Reduction of the Incidence of Sexual Assault in the Commonwealth.  The study focused on investigation of  the feasibility of mandating a ten year follow-up for juveniles convicted of sexual offenses.  The study examined the current legal, court venue, and jurisdictional and clinical barriers to developing a mandatory follow-up period.

Role of Guardians ad Litem and Modification of the Courtroom Environment in Child Sexual Assault Cases

Recommended by the Lt. Governor’s Commission on the Reduction of Incidence of Sexual Assault in the Commonwealth.  In response to testimony received, the Commission on Youth was asked to review the quality of legal representation in child sexual assault cases and the modification of the courtroom to make it more “child friendly.”  Additionally, the use of closed circuit testimony in child sexual assault cases was reviewed and suggestions were made to expand its usage.  Resulting legislation required the training of attorneys representing abused and neglected children prior to appointment and the piloting of contractual guardian ad litem representation in three jurisdictions.

Implementation of the Prevention and Early Intervention Study

Developed a mechanism for the Commission on Youth to work with the Executive Management Council of the Comprehensive Services Act for prevention and early intervention services.  Study mandate resulted in mechanism to integrate prevention and early intervention services.  Combined efforts developed strategies responding to the Dept. of Planning and Budget’s Prevention and Early Intervention Study.

1993 (cont.)

Confidentiality of Juvenile Records

Study identified the barriers in both policy and practice of information sharing youth records across agencies and disciplines.  Federal and state policies on confidentiality of records were analyzed. Recommended appropriate safeguards balancing the need for collaborative information sharing and the right to confidentiality.  Specifically, exchange of school records with the juvenile courts was clarified.

Model Child Custody and Visitation Schedules

The Commission on Youth conducted a study of model custody and visitation decrees in divorce cases.  Analysis of other states’ statutes, principles behind the “tender years” doctrine and shared/joint custody was explored.  Child development theory and application of these theories to custody evaluations were explored.  Resulting legislation clarified best interest standards in awarding custody, established mediation as a preferred course to litigation and establishment of joint standards for child custody evaluations.

Court Procedure for School Recommendations

Recommended by the School Safety Summit to examine the means by which court orders are entered directing parents/guardians comply with school recommendations.

1992

Access to Juvenile Records for Firearm Purchases

Conducted jointly with the State Crime Commission, study reviewed state and federal statutes regarding release of information and court records for juvenile criminal record checks and prohibitions on firearm purchases.  Limitations on a minor’s possession of a firearm for non hunting purposes were reviewed and adopted.

Needs of Children Whose Parents are Incarcerated

The psychological and economic impact of parental incarceration was identified. Through extrapolation of national statistics and application to Virginia ’s incarcerated population, an estimate of the number of Virginia children with parents incarcerated was made.  Recommendations addressed prison visitation programs, modification of the application process for Aid for Dependent Children and the development of training and assessment materials to caretakers of children with incarcerated parents and service providers to drug addicted inmates.  Additionally, training for law enforcement in making arrangements for minors at the time of arrest was established.

Serious Juvenile Offenders (Yr 1)

Two-year study which reviewed the adequacy of current statutes dealing with chronic and serious juvenile offenders.  In the initial year, the focus was data analysis of arrest trends, commitment rates and a comparison of offender profiles of juveniles sentenced in Circuit Court and those retained within the juvenile justice system.  National comparison of transfer and conviction rates.